At seven o’clock, Baldwin’s new Cadillac sixteen glided up to the curb. She was ready long before he rang the bell of her apartment. When she opened the door he stood breathless before her beauty, but quickly regaining his customary ease of manner he said smilingly,

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise. From past experiences I thought one always had to wait for a woman. And the more charming the woman, the longer one had to wait. But I’m glad to find that the most charming woman I have ever met is ready on time.”

Babe decided then and there never to be so prompt. again, but it was the first time she had ever stepped out with a real swell.

When they reached the motor, the chauffeur opened the tonneau door for them. There wasn’t the gaudy flash to this car that characterized Money Johnson’s. This car was like the man beside her, distinguished, reserved, mannered.

They were driven to a quiet restaurant, where the food was excellent. A stringed orchestra played softly, weaving a tapestry of sound as a background for their conversation.

Baldwin said nothing to Babe about having seen her before today. As he watched her, the thought of the negro continued to haunt him, but he decided never to mention the episode to her.

Babe expected to hear something about her new job, but he said nothing about it. His conversation was more personal, more subtly flattering to her. He commented on her taste in clothes, hinting that it must be difficult to manage such a smart appearance on a small income. Then he talked about himself.

Babe reasoned: “I guess he likes my type. That’s why he invited me out. He didn’t want to talk about the job.” She felt that before the evening was over he was going to “proposition” her. He was the kind of a guy that could get any woman he wanted.

With a fluttering heart and watchful eyes, Babe carried on a rather halting conversation during the delightful dinner Wayne had ordered. Then they hurried off to the theater and saw one of the season’s most popular musical reviews. It was after the theater on the way back to her apartment in Wayne’s car that he really lost control of himself. Seizing Babe in his arms, he suddenly changed from the polished society man to a primitive male hungry and thirsty for her body.

This new Baldwin Babe understood perfectly as she gave herself to his kisses. She was shrewd enough not to allow him to enter her apartment when they finally reached Washington Heights. There would have to be many dinners and many long tantalizing evenings before she would give herself completely to him.

But Wayne’s powers of persuasion, which were one with her own desires, proved too much for a will that had never practised restraint.